I wanted to find some old rusty iron strap hinges for an outdoor cupboard but couldn’t find what I wanted. So I’m just using stamped nickle-plated steel that will rust over time but I would like to give them a head start before I install them.
I’ve wire-brushed the plating off and now I’d like to accelerate the rusting effect. I’ve heard of water, vinegar and salt.
Does anyone have other suggestions?
Thanks
Rich
Replies
I use this ..TRU-BROWN.... Browning Reagent ... to brown my muzzle loader. It will rust metal. I would apply with a foam brush then take it in the bathroom while I shower to add the moisture. I think it took three coatings to get the desired results.
Wayne
Here is a site that can help you get any patina that you want. Just click the on-line catalog, and go down to P for patina and start reading.
http://www.sculpt.com/
If you've truly got nickel-plated hinges, I'm not sure this will work, but if you can find what you want (style wise) in hideous zinc-plated steel, there's an easy way to remove that ugly coating and get an instant old look. Dunk the zinc-plated stuff in a solution of about a teaspoon of citric acid in about a quart of warm tap water. Within about 30 minutes, the citric will have preferentially removed the zinc (if the coating's thick, you may have to add a bit more citric acid). You can then remove the screws, hinges, etc..., rinse them thoroughly in hot tap water, and leave them wet on the counter. They will "flash rust" within a few minutes. You can then rub them down with camilla oil (or just about any other type), which will turn the red rust to a black-looking surface.
You can get citric acid at most home brewery supply stores or from some drug stores.
Electrolysis. Set up the leads like you were using the hinges as the sacrificial electrode. Keep a close eye on it. Rust accumulated rapidly.
Greg
•••••••
Exo 35:30-35
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled